Coach Mark Thompson has diagnosed a month-long quad strain for Watson, which would put him out against Round 13 opponent Melbourne then the trio of formidable opponents.

Respected sports doctor Peter Larkins said yesterday the exact injury for Watson was likely to be to the hip psoas (hip flexor), the muscle connecting the vertebrae to the pelvis.

Regardless he will miss multiple weeks, with Dustin Fletcher also subbed out with a rolled ankle in the win over Greater Western Sydney.

Fletcher needs to play every game of the year plus a final to reach the 400-game milestone this season.

The Dons must deal with the report of David Myers, cited for striking Devon Smith with a swinging arm that slipped from his shoulder to his head.

Callan Ward of the Giants wrestles with David Myers. Photo by Matt KingSource:Getty Images

GWS on-baller Shane Mumford retaliated with his own elbow to the head of Myers, which could be reviewed by the match review panel.

The loss of Watson will be offset by the return of Jason Winderlich (virus) and Michael Hurley (back).

Thompson said Winderlich was certain to take on Melbourne, with Hurley to return after an epidural on Monday.

“He will play next week. He had a bit of a procedure on Monday. I don’t like to say it, an injection. An epidural. He took a couple of days off after that.”

Chris Judd done for the day early last quarter ices up on the bench. Pic: Michael Klein.Source:News Corp Australia

CARLTON star Chris Judd expects to be fit to take on Hawthorn on Friday night, able to hit top pace in his VFL return.

“The body’s good. So I’ve pulled up well and it’s just good to have a run, blow the cobwebs out and get back into it. (The Hawthorn game) is the aim, yeah. So I’ll be available now and we’ll go from there,” he said.

ST KILDA’S Adam Schneider will remain in hospital until Tuesday after being admitted last week with an infected foot.

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